HIV decriminalization supporters to hold first-ever Advocacy Day at Ohio Statehouse

HIV decriminalization advocates will hold an inaugural Advocacy Day on November 17 at the Ohio Statehouse to put legislative pressure on lawmakers to modernize state laws that unnecessarily target and punish people living with HIV.

Ohio has six laws that criminalize certain acts – including sex – for people living with HIV, or that substantially increase sentences for them compared to people who do not have the virus. These laws impose stiff penalties – regardless of whether the virus is or can be transmitted, and even in some cases where transmission is not scientifically possible. In some situations, the law also requires sex offender registration.

Many states have taken steps to modernize their HIV laws.

“We’re been really inspired by some of the policy wins we’re seeing in other states like North Dakota, Maryland and Louisiana, and we think the environment is perfect right now to do the same in Ohio,” said Josh Meek, steering committee member of the Ohio Health Modernization Movement (OHMM), a coalition of organizations and individuals dedicated to modernizing outdated HIV Laws in Ohio

According to a 2024 study released by OHMM and the Equality Ohio Education Fund, from 2014 to 2020, there were at least 214 confirmed HIV-related prosecutions in Ohio, of which over half (120 cases) came from the state’s “harassment with a bodily substance” law and about a third (77 cases) came under Ohio’s felonious assault law. The remainder (17 cases) were related to sex work.

Additionally, the research shows that Ohio’s HIV criminalization laws disproportionately impact Black communities, with at least 36% of defendants identifying as Black. Statewide, 29% of all defendants (62 people) were Black men.

Advocacy Day will give individuals living with HIV and experts in health policy and criminal justice the opportunity to meet in groups directly with elected officials. A catered lunch will feature a speakers panel on the need for HIV decriminalization, rounding out the day that organizers say is as much about a learning opportunity as it will be about advocacy. 

“For some legislators, this might be their first time they’re ever knowingly meeting with someone living with HIV,” said Meek.

The ultimate goal of Advocacy Day is to bring about legislation that modernizes the outdated laws. Republican Rep. Sara Carruthers proposed a pair of modernization bills in 2024, but they did not make it past a first reading. 

Although advocates aren’t yet ready to identify the names of specific legislators who might champion new bills, they say the appetite for reform is definitely present. 

“There are both Democrats and Republicans who are interested in talking about HIV and who recognize that we have penalties on the books that are excessive,” said Meek. “They know we’re not trying to move heaven and earth but are just trying to create what is more sensible and equitable for all Ohioans.”

In addition to encouraging people to register for Advocacy Day, advocates are urging more Ohioans to get involved with OHMM – whether that’s through helping educate their community, reaching out to their elected representatives or writing an op-ed to their local newspaper.

“HIV is not a death sentence, and we’ve made great strides in science, technology and understanding what HIV really is,” said Meek. “More people need to know that before we can make some needed change.” 🔥

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IGNITE ACTION

• The Ohio Health Modernization Movements’s Advocacy Day will be held on Tuesday, November 17, at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. Register to attend here. 
• Prior to Advocacy Day, OHMM will hold a “Speak Up With Confidence: Media Training and How to Talk to Legislators” virtual session on October 26 at 6 p.m. (register here) and an “Advocacy Day Q&A: What to Know Before You Go” virtual session on November 9 at 6 p.m. (register here).